Modern yeast strains are hardier than older strains but it is still a good idea not to subject IDY to the shock effects of cold water, which can degrade the performance of the IDY. But combining dry yeast with salt and other dry ingredients, such as in a "goody bag" mixture, will not kill the yeast. You can see Tom's comments on the goody bag in the Pizza Today article contained in Reply 7 at http://www.pizzamaking.com/forum/index.php/topic,7465.msg64349.html#msg64349.

I also use the DLX. All dry ingredients put in first, oil and water follows with processor running. Water at the 85 degree mark. Allow the dough to start rising for about a half hour. Refrigerate for 2 days. To me it looks as if your using of ice cold water doesn't allow fermentation to start

I also use the DLX. All dry ingredients put in first, oil and water follows with processor running. Water at the 85 degree mark. Allow the dough to start rising for about a half hour. Refrigerate for 2 days. To me it looks as if your using of ice cold water doesn't allow fermentation to start

This thread just lets us know that pizza can be all things to all people. The way you make your dough should be a reflection of yourself, which will show up in the finished pie. There is no right method for pizza making. Even our attempts at things such as styles are transitory, changing with the mutations in the genome of the wheat.

Lately I've been making a 24 hour poolish and then adding some water and salt to it, pouring the flour on top and then turning on the mixer. After a few minutes I drizzle the oil in. After a few more minutes I take the dough out and fold it on the table a few times and then ball the dough up, although it can be cut into pieces and allowed to ferment in the fridge for a few hours.

This is the way Italians mixed their dough for pasta for centuries and still do. Essentially, make a well in the middle of the dough, put in liquid ingredients and bring together by using your fingers.I have tried both ways (dry first, liquid first), I prefer dry first. Even if it's a little dry, adding a teaspoon or two of water and pulsing the blade for a few seconds, quickly brings it to the required hydration. Similarly, if it is a little too wet I can add a small amount of flour. I like the food processor using the steel blade, as I can easily do five or six dough balls in a half an hour if I pre-measure the ingredients ahead of time. I have tried other ways, by hand or using my Bosch, this works for me.